Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS) are an important tool within the spectrum of actions for conflict prevention, management and resolution. While most of these conflict prevention systems have been implemented in Africa, in recent years increased interest in the development and design of such mechanisms, both at the level of the state as well as in the civil society, has been seen in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in order to mitigate the effects of social conflicts in the countries in the region.

The main purpose of this “Practical Guide for Early Warning and Response Systems Design for Social Conflicts” is to contribute to strengthening a preventive approach in addressing social conflict in the region, providing some basic aspects to keep in mind in the design and development of an EWRS from a perspective of conflict prevention and management with a socially and culturally sensitive approach, strengthening democratic governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.